We operate manufacturing businesses (CNC tool store, Fabitin fabrication). We use manufacturing software daily. Here's what actually works for manufacturing companies in 2026.
We operate a CNC tool store (2,847 SKUs) and Fabitin (on-demand fabrication). We use manufacturing software daily—ERP systems, production management, inventory systems, material procurement.
This guide isn't based on marketing materials. It's based on real experience using manufacturing software in production environments. We know what works because we rely on it daily. For choosing software, see our how to choose manufacturing software guide.
We understand manufacturing software because we operate manufacturing businesses. This means we can tell you what actually works, not what looks good in demos.
Examples
SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics
Best For
Large manufacturers, complex operations, full business management
Examples
Custom systems, specialized production software
Best For
Production-focused operations, workflow optimization
Examples
Custom inventory systems, ERP modules
Best For
Complex inventory needs, multi-location operations
Examples
Custom procurement systems, ERP procurement modules
Best For
Operations with complex material needs, supplier management
Examples
Custom floor planning software, layout optimization tools
Best For
Layout optimization, workflow planning, expansion planning
Examples
Custom-built systems designed for your needs
Best For
Unique workflows, specific requirements, competitive advantage
Our Recommendation: Custom Manufacturing Software or Mid-Tier ERP
Off-the-shelf ERP systems are often overkill and expensive. Custom software can be tailored to your specific workflows at a lower cost.
Our Experience: We've built custom manufacturing software for our operations. It's more cost-effective and better suited to our needs than off-the-shelf ERP. See our build vs buy guide for details.
Our Recommendation: Enterprise ERP (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
Large operations need comprehensive ERP systems that handle all aspects of the business. Enterprise ERPs provide the scale and features needed.
Our Experience: Enterprise ERPs work well for large operations but are often overkill for smaller companies. Consider carefully before investing.
Our Recommendation: Custom Production Management Software
If production planning and workflow management are your primary needs, custom software focused on production is often better than full ERP.
Our Experience: We've built production management systems for our fabrication operations. They're more effective than trying to use ERP modules for production.
Our Recommendation: Custom Inventory System or ERP with Strong Inventory Module
Complex inventory needs (multi-location, variants, real-time sync) often require custom solutions or specialized ERP modules.
Our Experience: We manage 2,847 SKUs with complex variant logic. Custom inventory systems handle this better than generic ERP modules.
Our Recommendation: Custom Procurement System or ERP Procurement Module
Material procurement and supply chain management benefit from systems designed specifically for these workflows.
Our Experience: We use material procurement systems daily at Fabitin. Custom systems work better than trying to adapt generic ERP modules.
Buy if:
Build if:
Our Experience: We've built custom manufacturing software for our own operations (CNC store, Fabitin). For most small to medium manufacturers, custom software is more cost-effective and better suited than enterprise ERP. For large manufacturers, enterprise ERP makes sense. The decision depends on your size, workflows, and needs.
Plan production, schedule jobs, allocate resources, and track progress.
Track inventory levels, manage stock, handle variants, and sync across locations.
Manage material sourcing, supplier relationships, and procurement workflows.
Track quality metrics, manage inspections, and handle quality issues.
Integrate with existing ERP systems or provide ERP functionality.
Real-time synchronization between systems and locations.
Generate reports, analyze data, and track key metrics.
Access software from mobile devices for floor operations.
Ability to customize workflows, fields, and processes to your needs.
Software that scales as your operations grow.
For most manufacturing companies, custom manufacturing software is the best choice. Here's why:
We've built custom manufacturing software for our own operations. We know what works because we use it daily. When we build custom software for clients, we're applying solutions we've already proven work in production.
Exception: Large manufacturers (500+ employees) with complex, multi-site operations may benefit from enterprise ERP. But for most companies, custom software is the better choice.
More guides to help you choose manufacturing software